envisioning the future lgbtqia+ community center

Working closely with Inclusion Tennessee, the design center engaged with the community at Pride, and hosted multiple feedback events presenting ideas about what the community would like to see in a future LGBTQIA+ community center. After initial feedback, the desired programming elements were discovered (next page). From there, researching case studies about existing LGBTQIA+ community centers as well as precedents studies led me to make programing diagrams and some collage renderings of the most desired spaces.

The public to private threshold is especially important in a community center that needs to feel safe and secure while also being inclusive and welcoming. Retail, the cafe, and outdoor space are closer to the top meaning they can be open to the public. Private access to outdoor space is also important. Other gathering spaces (oranges and purples on the diagram are located more centrally along with some health services becasue these spaces may require secure access but can still be accessible for visitors. Housing and health care spaces would require the most privacy for the safety of the community.

above: a collage of an inclusive cafe space that engages the community for day to day activities and small gatherings. left:: diagram exploring the privacy gradient of the intended spaces

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